E-Bikes Move Forward with USA National Park and BLM Trail Access - Thoughts?

10/22/2019 4:36pm
Thanks for the update!
Progress, despite it appearing to not gain much access to the 'sick' stuff, good to open the door for more people to ride bikes-as has been said, wish it was class 1 only, but, oh well.
bturman
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10/23/2019 3:42pm
An update regarding Moab, whose BLM Field Office confirmed isn't changing their position as of October 23. They're continuing to work with BLM leadership for specific direction and implementation of the order, and e-bikes remain prohibited on non-motorized trails in the area.

As described a few posts up, this may change once a Field or District Manager issues a decision. From a call with them I was given the impression that this decision is expected to happen relatively quickly.

The Information Bulletin and attachments make it clear that in general, e-bike use will very likely be allowed on most BLM trails.

"Field or District managers should issue decisions generally authorizing the use of Class I, II, and III e-bikes where traditional bicycles are allowed. In considering where e-bike use may be appropriate, field managers should take into account local conditions, such as natural and cultural resources, potential user conflicts, and the laws, regulations, and policies of adjacent jurisdictions regarding e-bike use. Field managers should also undertake to revise travel management plans to affirmatively allow e-bikes in areas where traditional bicycles are allowed but e-bike use is currently prohibited."

Denying them access is made complicated by needing approval from the State Director:

"In the event that a District or Field Manager is considering denying the use of low-speed electric bicycles in a specific location, a written explanation must be submitted to and approved by the State Director."
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bturman
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10/25/2019 1:06pm
Due to conflicting statements contained within the recent BLM news release, Information Bulletin and its attachments, plus the public-facing e-bike website updates, Vital MTB reached out to the BLM for clarity.

The BLM provided the following definitive answers to three key questions regarding e-bike use moving forward and timing in the matter:

Are e-bikes allowed on BLM trails where traditional bicycles are permitted?

Response: The BLM will continue to allow visitors to use e-bikes on BLM roads, trails and designated areas where motorized use is allowed. Also, e-bikes may be used on a trail or road that is currently limited to non-OHV or non-motorized use only IF a BLM District or Field Manager issues a decision authorizing their use in accordance with applicable law. E-bike users should consult with their BLM District or Field Office for guidance about e-bike use in specific areas. E-bikes are still prohibited in designated wilderness areas - as are traditional bikes.

As of which date?

Response: This guidance is effective as of October 22, 2019, but doesn't immediately authorize the use of e-bikes anywhere they were previously prohibited. BLM District and Field managers are still implementing the guidance locally and have to take specific and documented action to authorize use of e-bikes or designated trails as available for e-bike use.

Where can riders get information on e-bike access to specific trails?

Response: The most current national information on our effort may be found here. For more local information, such as specific trails, we encourage people to contact the trail's respective District and Field Office.

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bturman
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10/25/2019 1:29pm
It seems there's confusion even within the BLM itself, illustrated by the following excerpt from this Steamboat Pilot and Today news article:

The BLM manages the southern side of Emerald Mountain, which includes the Ridge, Beall and Rotary trails. In Tuesday’s meeting, BLM Park Ranger Gary Keeling said the BLM hasn’t “really advertised” that trails are open to e-bikes, but when someone asks, they tell them e-bikes of any class are allowed. According to the memo, the BLM and the city have agreed that “it would be beneficial to have the same management plan in place to address the use of e-bikes on Emerald Mountain.”
BHowell
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11/22/2019 11:52am
This lawsuit was originally posted by a Vital user some weeks back but has since been noted by other media outlets, most recently, Bicycle Retailer

In brief, a collection of outdoor groups have banded together to sue the National Forrest Service for not following proper procedures in allowing a new user group to access trails in the Tahoe Forrest. In interviews, the user groups are explicit in saying that they are not anti-eMTB. The issue at hand is the way in which the new user group was allowed on trail.

A spokesperson from People for Bikes stated their desire to let the new user group stay on trail and collect impact studies along the way, as there are insufficient impact studies currently available.

The lawsuit was also reported by BIKE Mag Of the issues noted here, is the inability to monitor the sub-categories of the new user group (such as class 2 and 3 eMTB.) Anecdotal reports have complaints of throttle actuated eMTB on trails already.

Possibly adding fuel to the fire of the ongoing debate about the classification of e-bikes was a report in Bicycle Retailer that outlined Giant Bicycles displaying their eMTB line at a motorcycle trade show. Perhaps the most condemning quote being, "Since they're now seeing Giant e-bikes in an ever-growing number of powersports retailers across the country..."
With eMTB being sold at powersports retailers, the camp stating that eMTB are motorcycles just gained a little ammo for the argument.

As divided as the mountain bike community may be on eMTB, it would seem that the controversy extends well beyond our camp of dirt surfers. From the looks of it, this may be only the beginning.
sspomer
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12/11/2019 8:18am
as seen on bicycle retailer today
Group files lawsuit against park service for allowing e-bikes on non-motorized trails

This is the second suit filed since October to limit e-bike use on trails.
PEER filed a lawsuit against the NPS.

WASHINGTON (BRAIN) — The Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility and a coalition of conservation groups are the primary plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the National Park Service for allowing e-bikes on non-motorized trails.
https://www.bicycleretailer.com/industry-news/2019/12/09/group-files-la…
12/11/2019 8:37am
sspomer wrote:
as seen on bicycle retailer today Group files lawsuit against park service for allowing e-bikes on non-motorized trails This is the second suit filed since October...
as seen on bicycle retailer today
Group files lawsuit against park service for allowing e-bikes on non-motorized trails

This is the second suit filed since October to limit e-bike use on trails.
PEER filed a lawsuit against the NPS.

WASHINGTON (BRAIN) — The Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility and a coalition of conservation groups are the primary plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the National Park Service for allowing e-bikes on non-motorized trails.
https://www.bicycleretailer.com/industry-news/2019/12/09/group-files-la…
Wow, this is so sad. The US Military is deployed in more than 150 countries, our oceans are dying (and rising!), our air is polluted and thousands of other big issues that will affect nearly everyone on this plant yet we are fighting over how people silently and with little impact recreate on 24" wide swaths of land.

Reminds me of the snowboard vs. skier debate and the hiker vs mountain biker debate.

Years ago I met a Park Ranger at Keystone Resort who started crying as he told me about how the NORBA downhill race had destroyed the environment (a 3-foot wise trail approximately 1.2 miles long), while we were watching heavy equipment cut a new service road and rip hundreds if not thousands of trees out of the ground from the bottom of Keystone to the top (approx. 20 feet wide and 5 miles long) to install a new snowmaking system.

Why are people so pennywise and dollar foolish? Let's spend our collective time and money on big issues!
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DubC
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12/11/2019 9:49am
If nothing else, I guess this will finally answer the long debated question: if bikes with electronic motors are indeed "motor bikes"!?!?!
BHowell
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12/11/2019 10:10am
DubC wrote:
If nothing else, I guess this will finally answer the long debated question: if bikes with electronic motors are indeed "motor bikes"!?!?!
Adding fuel to that fire (no pun intended) is the inclusion of ebikes at a powersports trade show (linked in my above reply) as well as this article about how bike brands such as Giant and Specialized are now incorporating powersports dealers into their eMTB dealer network HERE

Just because they are sold at motorcycle dealers, it does not make them a motorcycle but it does shed light on who the small, but growing, US eMTB market is.
BHowell
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1/13/2020 6:46am
E-Bikes have been categorized as motorcycles to receive an exclusion from the 25% tariffs. In a breaking story by Bicycle Retailer, manufacturers have been lobbying to get e-bikes categorized as electric motorcycles to save on import duties imposed by the Trump administration as part of the trade war. It seems now they have their wish but this raises some much larger questions and is sure to fuel the trail access debates and lawsuits currently underway.

Excerpts from the article (also linked):
"Mack wrote that his office consulted Automotivedictionary.org and Motorera.com and found e-bikes fit their definitions of motorcycles."

"Customs ruled on requests for clarification from Kent International and Allco Manufacturing, both of whom argued that e-bikes fall under the category of electric motorcycles and so should share the tariff exclusion."
erik saunders
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1/13/2020 7:46am Edited Date/Time 1/13/2020 8:04am
i am sure they will publish a few follow up articles... this is gonna be a big deal with some ppl... it definitely opens an argument to restrict access and impose requirements outside of HTS considerations... however, one kind of designation does not automatically change things in another area... people make the rules and they can still make whatever rules they decide without the need for consistency in one unifying system...

clearly in this case industry groups are arguing that ebikes arent motos to gain access to public lands and develop the market for consumers at the same they are arguing that ebikes are motos to save money on import duties to develop the market for consumers.... so you know... all good...

The major hurdle for ebikes, and the key focus for the industry on the subject of ebike adoption isnt access to public lands... it is price...


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bturman
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Durango, CO US
11/3/2020 8:23am
It's looking like greater BLM trail access for e-bikes could be coming soon. Another key step in the process has been completed:

https://www.bike-eu.com/laws-regulations/nieuws/2020/10/major-change-in…

https://www.doi.gov/blog/enjoy-your-next-e-bike-trip-public-lands

https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/e-bikes/faq


Here are 12,000 public comments on e-bikes. Very interesting to click through some of them and consider various perspectives:

https://www.regulations.gov/docketBrowser?rpp=50&so=DESC&sb=postedDate&…
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Pedal4life
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San Diego, CA US
11/3/2020 8:55am
Look, I really want a eBike, BUT there are way too many irresponsible human out there that will be using every form of propulsion once you allow any form out in the woods, I see it every week here in Big Bear with the off roaders there’s always a couple that will ruin it for everyone.


There’s truly no way to enforce what’s happening now the thought I have is a weight limit let’s say 40lbs that way there is truly nothing out there yet that’s powerful enough to damage our trails yet would give access to the forest this might work.
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MOTO13
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Elkhorn, WI US
11/3/2020 11:43am
Almost 29% of you guys think e-mtbs are bad? I mean, you are literally saying that they should not even exist...let alone be allowed on BLM trails. Friggin laughable in it's sheer ignorance and stupidity. Do you geniuses even realize the amount of revenue that is generated by expanding the bike market thanks to e-bikes? I would never have bought another MTB if it weren't for e-bikes. Pretty soon, non-ebikes will be an oddity.
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